Dell Rapids was once served by The Milwaukee Road, a railroad. Many people are unaware that The Milwaukee Road was also served by a train car called "Dell Rapids."

After the second World War, the railroad industry began to build glamorous passenger cars. The incorporation of curved glass resulted in the Skytop Lounge, the brainchild of industrial designer Brooks Stevens. At the rear of the car, the upper walls and part of the roof were constructed of glass, giving passengers a remarkable panoramic view as they enjoyed the ride.

In 1948, The Milwaukee Road decided to build four skytop lounges, and grouped them together as the Rapids Series. Each car was named after a community served by the company, and the four names chosen were Cedar Rapids, Coon Rapids, Dell Rapids and Priest Rapids. Car number 188 was the "Dell Rapids." The Rapids Series served The Milwaukee Road's famous Hiawatha Service until 1970.
When the Dell Rapids was retired from service in 1970, Chapman S. "Chappie" Root of Daytona Beach, Fla., purchased the car. Mr. Root was a former chairman of the country's largest Coca-Cola bottling company, and he was an avid collector. He sent the car to Omaha for restoration, and then had it delivered to Daytona Beach, where it was stored on family property until the time of Mr. Root's death.

Chappie's estate donated the car to the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences, where the Dell Rapids is currently on display.